I was having a discussion with a sweet friend the other day, catching up on everything that was going on in our lives. We see each other regularly but don't often get into the "weeds" I was talking to her about my weariness of ongoing medical issues, we keep waiting for this storm to end, but the rain bands keep coming ashore. From my perspective this was all about me, this storm was someting God was using in my life to change me, show me things, teach me. Obviously I wasn't getting it, right?
She wanted me to see the bigger picture. Her thoughts....others are watching, they are watching my response to the storm, they are watching to see where I put my trust, where I get my strength, how do I let this effect my day to day. They are watching. I also have some opportunities I would not have had, people who would not necessarily cross my path had I not had cancer. Opportunities to let the light of God shine. Perhaps, just perhaps this isn't about me anymore but the people that God has put in my path. Just a thought
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven Matthew 5:16
10 comments:
Boy oh boy did I need this message tonight!! God used you to speak truth to me.
That is really good. Trials do that though, it takes all of our energy to hang on sometimes, People are able to see us as we are.
I am sorry you are having a hard time right now, I will put you back in my prayer journal, I will be praying for you everyday.
There are so many things God is working in every circumstance, and yes, your witness surely is one of them. You'll never know what a blessing or encouragement you've been to so many, Maryann! I was leafing through my prayer journal the other morning, and I saw the first time I entered your name in it, praying this trial would make you more and more like Christ. It's a blessing to learn from you and watch you, in the midst of such uncertainty and pain, glorify Him. Love and hugs and prayers, my friend.
Your right, sometimes we really just have no idea who OUR circumstances and trails may be benefiting. We do just have to remember the bigger picture. Praying for you....HUGS
Isn't that the truth...it isn't about us...and yet I can say that my trials haven't shown His light the way I would want. I wished I glowed with His glory and not fall down defeated...which only means I have allowed the enemy to lay me out flat.
Blessings to you through this journey...God will be glorified...that is His truth. You His vessel will shine...because He is the one at work in and through you...so be at peace that He will finish what He has begun.
Hugs and prayers being sent your way.
Dear sweet Maryann, I don't have to tell you life can be hard. You already know this. Life is hard for my autistic son so life is hard for me because I love him so. I hang on to God and His word knowing that He sees the bigger picture when I can not. I truly believe His word and it tells me He works all things, not just some things, but all things together for our good. It's all about bringing glory to His name and in the long run we are doing just that when we praise Him through each storm, from victory to victory.
Hugs~
Your life and witness is an intricate part of the lives of others. It is a weighty privilege to be trusted with so much. Thank God for his grace and strength that allow all of us to know the daily transformation of hands. He is what shines through our weakness; he's shining through you now.
Rest easy in the arms of Jesus this week. He'll do the rest.
peace~elaine
you have a wise friend who must love you
very much to speak this truth. i would
say, though, "let us help carry your burden."
we ask you, Lord, to reach down from on
high and scoop maryann into your loving
arms. we thank you that by your stripes
she is healed and that by your grace her
life will touch many others for your glory.
To realize that God works all things for His glory and our ultimate good; to see that He does all things well (even when we ca't see it, yet) is such a comfort. To know that He is with us and on top of it all, whatever all may be, and in unfailing charge of it for our good... how that brings peace, liberates, and empowers even when all our powers fail. Blessings!
Dear Maryann, Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I have known a handful of gals with cancer and can tell you there is one of two ways people react; some get mad and let you know how unfair this all is and the other group-in which you are, walk through this difficult path with grace and Hope even when it looks pretty dark. These are those that minister to others who are walking through it too. I would hope that I would walk through this trial with grace but one never knows. That is why I try to walk through my unequally yoked path with hope and grace,focused on the Lover of my soul. May His mercy carry you when the days get long and tough.
Thank you for shining.
Hugs,Noreen
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